Bill Summary
The "End Domestic Terrorism Act" is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at increasing penalties for mass killings that involve the use of machine guns or specific semiautomatic weapons. The bill seeks to amend Title 18 of the United States Code by establishing stricter punishments for individuals who kill three or more people in a single incident using these types of firearms, particularly in locations such as schools, places of worship, medical facilities, and public events.
Key components of the legislation include:
1. **Definition of Covered Weapons**: The bill specifies what constitutes a "covered semiautomatic weapon," including certain features that enhance the concealability or firing capabilities of the weapon.
2. **Enhanced Penalties**: Offenders can face life imprisonment for committing mass killings with the specified firearms under circumstances that involve interstate commerce or occur in sensitive locations.
3. **Reporting Requirements**: The Attorney General is mandated to submit annual reports to Congress detailing cases of mass killings and providing demographic data on offenders and victims. Additionally, there are requirements for publicly available reports concerning the government’s response to such offenses, including financial impacts on local communities.
4. **Support for Law Enforcement and Victims**: The act aims to ensure that the government tracks and reports not only the legal proceedings following mass killings but also the broader social and economic consequences of these crimes.
The legislation reflects a concerted effort to address domestic terrorism and gun violence by imposing stricter legal repercussions and increasing accountability for incidents involving mass casualties.
Possible Impacts
The "End Domestic Terrorism Act" as outlined in the provided legislation could have several effects on individuals and communities. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Sentencing for Perpetrators**: The legislation proposes heightened penalties for individuals convicted of mass killings using machine guns or covered semiautomatic weapons. This could lead to longer prison sentences for offenders, potentially serving as a deterrent for those considering committing such acts. However, it may also result in the perception of a more punitive justice system, which could instill fear or anxiety in communities, especially those that have experienced gun violence.
2. **Impact on Gun Owners and Manufacturers**: The definition of "covered semiautomatic weapons" and the inclusion of machine guns in this legislation may affect lawful gun owners and manufacturers. People who own or sell firearms that fall under this definition may face increased scrutiny or regulatory burdens, possibly leading to changes in their purchasing habits or business practices. This could result in a polarized debate within communities regarding gun rights, the responsibilities of ownership, and the effectiveness of the legislation in preventing violence.
3. **Increased Funding for Mental Health and Support Services**: The legislation mandates that the Department of Justice report on expenditures related to the response to mass killings, including mental health services for victims and communities affected by such violence. This could lead to increased funding and resources allocated to mental health support, counseling, and community rebuilding efforts, potentially benefiting survivors and their families. However, it may also highlight disparities in mental health access and resources among different communities, sparking discussions about systemic inequalities in funding and support systems.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4257 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4257
To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide increased penalties
for mass killings involving machineguns or certain semiautomatic
weapons, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 30, 2025
Mr. Moulton (for himself and Ms. Escobar) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide increased penalties
for mass killings involving machineguns or certain semiautomatic
weapons, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``End Domestic Terrorism Act''.
SEC. 2. MASS KILLINGS USING MACHINEGUNS OR COVERED SEMIAUTOMATIC
WEAPONS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 113B of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 2332i the following:
``Sec. 2332j. Mass killings using machineguns or covered semiautomatic
weapons
``(a) Whoever kills 3 or more people in a single incident using a
machinegun, a destructive device, or a covered semiautomatic weapon in
a circumstance described in subsection (b) and at a location described
in subsection (c), shall be imprisoned for any term of years or for
life.
``(b) A circumstance described in this subsection is any one of the
following:
``(1) The mail or any facility of interstate or foreign
commerce was used in furtherance of the offense.
``(2) The machinegun or covered semiautomatic weapon used
in the commission of the offense was transported in interstate
or foreign commerce.
``(3) The perpetrator traveled in or caused another to
travel in interstate or foreign commerce in furtherance of the
offense.
``(4) The offense occurred within the special maritime and
territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
``(5) The offense otherwise occurred in or affected
interstate or foreign commerce.
``(c) A location described in this subsection is any one of the
following:
``(1) A school or location of a school-sponsored activity
or organization.
``(2) A place of worship.
``(3) A medical facility or care facility.
``(4) A childcare facility.
``(5) A government building, including a Federal building,
a municipal building, and a courthouse, or a voting location.
``(6) An entertainment or educational venue or facility,
including a concert venue, a professional sporting event, a
museum, a library, a movie theater, a theater venue, an arcade,
a bowling alley, or an amusement park.
``(7) A scheduled public event, such as a parade, a
ceremony, or a race.
``(8) A retail location, including a mall, a grocery store,
a convenience store, a bar, or a restaurant.
``(9) An office building.''.
(b) Definition.--Section 2331 of chapter 113B is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) the term `covered semiautomatic weapon' means--
``(A) semiautomatic rifle that--
``(i) has a magazine that is not a fixed
magazine; and
``(ii) does have any one of--
``(I) a pistol grip;
``(II) a forward grip;
``(III) a folding, telescoping, or
detachable stock, or is otherwise
foldable or adjustable in a manner that
operates to reduce the length, size, or
any other dimension, or otherwise
enhances the concealability, of the
weapon;
``(IV) a grenade launcher;
``(V) a barrel shroud; or
``(VI) a threaded barrel;
``(B) a semiautomatic rifle that has a fixed
magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10
rounds, except for an attached tubular device designed
to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22
caliber rimfire ammunition;
``(C) any part, combination of parts, component,
device, attachment, or accessory that is designed or
functions to accelerate the rate of fire of a
semiautomatic firearm but not convert the semiautomatic
firearm into a machinegun;
``(D) a semiautomatic shotgun that--
``(i) has the capacity to utilize a
magazine that is not a fixed magazine; and
``(ii) does have any one of--
``(I) a folding, telescoping, or
detachable stock;
``(II) a pistol grip or bird's head
grip;
``(III) a fixed magazine with the
capacity to accept more than 5 rounds;
``(IV) the ability to accept a
detachable magazine;
``(V) a forward grip; or
``(VI) a grenade launcher;
``(E) any AK or AR type of weapon, including a
rifle, copy, duplicate, variant, or altered facsimile
with the capability of any such weapon; and
``(F) any weapon that is substantially similar to a
weapon described in subparagraphs (A) through (E)
determined by the Attorney General pursuant to a rule,
which shall be made on the record after opportunity for
a hearing pursuant to the rulemaking procedures
prescribed by subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5;
``(8) the term `machinegun' has the meaning given such term
in section 5845(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and
``(9) the term `destructive device' has the meaning given
such term in section 921.''.
(c) Providing Material Support.--Section 2339A(a) of title 18,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after ``2332f,'' the
following: ``2332j,''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 113B of
title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item
related to section 2332i the following:
``2332j. Mass killings using machineguns or covered semiautomatic
weapons.''.
SEC. 3. REPORT ON CHARGES FILED FOR USE OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
AND PROVIDING MATERIAL SUPPORT TO TERRORISTS.
On the date that is one year after the date of enactment of this
Act, and annually thereafter, the Attorney General shall submit to
Congress a report on each case in which the Department of Justice has
filed charges under section 2332j or 2339a of title 18, United States
Code, during the previous year, which shall include the following:
(1) For each case in which charges under section 2332j of
title 18, United States Code, were filed--
(A) the date of the alleged offense;
(B) the number of individuals who were injured;
(C) the number of fatalities;
(D) the age, gender, race, ethnicity, and
nationality of each individual charged under such
section; and
(E) the weapon used in the alleged offense.
(2) For each case in which charges under section 2339a of
title 18, United States Code, were filed--
(A) the type of support alleged to have been
provided;
(B) to whom such support was alleged to have been
provided; and
(C) the age, gender, race, ethnicity, and
nationality of each individual charged under such
section.
SEC. 4. INCLUSION OF DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION IN REPORTS CONCERNING
INTERCEPTED WIRE, ORAL, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS.
Section 2519(2)(c) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after ``order or extension,'' the following: ``, the age,
gender, race, ethnicity, and nationality of each individual
arrested,''.
SEC. 5. PUBLIC REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
Not later than 180 days after the Department of Justice files
charges under section 2332j of title 18, United States Code, the
Attorney General shall make publicly available on the website of the
Department of Justice a report, which shall include the following:
(1) The number of individuals present at the location of
the offense.
(2) Total amount expended by Federal, State, and local
governments in response to the offense, including law
enforcement response, reimbursement for medical expenses, the
provision of mental health services, and support provided to
affected businesses.
(3) Total amount of lost business revenue as a result of
the offense.
(4) The total amount of assistance provided as a result of
the offense through compensation and assistance programs, such
as the Crime Victims Fund.
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